JENISON, Mich. (WOOD) — Doctors are reminding people to protect their skin as they enjoy sunny summer weather.

Too much exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause skin cancer. It’s not only unsightly, but doctors also warn it can be deadly.

“Skin cancer is the most common type of human cancer. There are 3.5 million cases in the US affecting more than 2 million people,” said Dr. Diana Castanon of Forefront Dermatology on Cascade Road in Grand Rapids Township.

Sunday morning, people with concerns or who wanted more information lined up outside the Rite Aid for the traveling Road to Healthy Skin Tour, where doctors offered free skin cancer screenings inside an RV.

Doctors advocate prevention. They recommend daily use of at least an SPF-30 and SPF-50 if you’re out in the sun.

And they advise against tanning.

“I always tell patients there is no such thing as a safe tan. And the best way for them to get some color on their skin is to either rock their natural glow or for them to go pick up a sunless tanner,” Castanon said.

She said people should ask their doctors if they have questions about sun safety.

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